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9 Simple Ideas To Implement Sustainability In Your Home

Whether you’re revamping your living room or designing an eco-friendly home office, kudos to you for incorporating sustainability at home. A recent Meta study reveals consumers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly or sustainable products. Simple tweaks not only cut back on energy usage, they can help minimize waste and help you breathe easier. Ahead, 9 simple ideas for a greener abode.

Stop Using Artificial Fragrances


Do you swoon for scented home air fresheners? Time to nix the habit. Install a home air purifier, with UV light for pathogens like mold and viruses. If you do like scented air fresheners, try aromatherapy diffusers, sustainably-made candles, or smart clean fragrance plugs that you can control from an app.

Install Window Shades


Minimize cooling energy consumption by preventing the sun’s rays from heating up your home in the first place. Notice which rooms tend to heat up during the day, then tackle those windows first. On the other hand, open up south-facing windows during cold months. 

Beware Of Energy-Draining Gadgets


To reduce your energy use, unplug computers (including modems and routers), TVs, cable and satellite boxes, surround systems, and household items, especially when you go on vacation. Aggregate as many energy sources as you can via power strips and turn them all off with a simple pull of a plug. Better yet, invest in solar-powered chargers.

Invest in a Good Home Dehumidifier


One of the best mechanical upgrades a homeowner can add, regardless of whether you have an old or a new home, is to install a whole home dehumidifier. Elevated moisture in a home can lead to potential mold growth, adding that moisture levels can increase chemical off-gassing from construction materials, spiking indoor air pollution. Keep household humidity levels between 30% and 40%. Too much moisture can also stretch carpeting and bloat wood floors. 


Rethink Your Appliances



When you shop for appliances, look for high-efficiency and Energy Star labels. Swapping all non-LED bulbs with LED reduces the energy use from fossil fuels, thus lowering carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The environmental impact of smaller appliances like vacuums, blenders, and air purifiers should also be considered. By buying quality products over whatever’s cheapest, you’re not only keeping large plastic and metal items out of landfills, you’re also likely saving yourself money in the long-term. Further, boost sustainability at home with accessories like a compost bin.

Switch to Induction Cooking


Induction cooking uses an electromagnetic coil below the glass surface to heat up your food with magnets. Induction tops are up to 10% more efficient than conventional electric units. The burner on an induction cook top responds quickly to heat adjustments, boiling water faster than a gas burner. What’s more, since the induction surface stays cool, you don’t have to worry about excess heat kicking the AC into high gear.

Upgrade To a Heat Pump Dryer


Unlike a typical dryer that pumps dry air through the dryer vent, a heat pump dryer works by reusing moisture from clothes and then reusing it via a closed loop system. The swap can reduce energy use by at least 28%. Another perk: lower drying temperatures pamper clothes. When you’re ready to make the switch, contact your local utility provider to dispose of the old appliance responsibly—you’ll likely get a rebate or a credit for it.

Filter Your Water


Your municipality issues a report with water-quality details. It’s also a good idea to test your water, especially if you don’t know what’s in your supply line. The most common contaminants include fluoride, copper, chlorine, iron, lead, and bacteria. Install a filtered water dispenser at your sink. Depending on your countertop and sink, it’s a simple DIY, but if you need adapters, call in a pro to avoid leaks.  

Store Smarter


To further lower your kitchen’s carbon footprint, try reusable silicone food storage bags or beeswax food wrap in lieu of plastic snack bags. When you buy in bulk, organizing your pantry is much easier than haphazardly stuffing a bunch of bags on your shelves. All those individually wrapped crackers aren’t helping Mother Earth, either. Make it a habit to buy in bulk. Beans, grains, and sugar have an extended shelf life. Storing it all in clear containers can further help curtail waste because you’ll see what you still have instead of buying more of the same. 

 
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